LaVern Baker

(Delores Williams)singerBorn: 11/11/1929Birthplace: Chicago

A gutsy vocalist capable of blending blues and jazz styles, she contributed to the rise of rock and roll. During her time with Atlantic Records (1953–62), she recorded half a dozen singles that rose to high positions on the pop and R&B charts, including “Tweedle Dee”, “Jim Dandy”, and “I Cried a Tear”.